Photo by James Bednarick, Assistant Photo Editor
Senior Chris Miller (left), playing Vince Delgatto in “Minor Demons,” listens to M. Arther Clark (Deke Winters). Miller has been in eight FSU productions so far.
 



The other OTHER Chris Miller
 
By Heather Johnson
Ferris State Torch
 
Chris M. Miller is tired of being mistaken for Chris R. Miller.
 
“Some guy came up to me the other day, clapped me on the back and said he thought I did a really good job in the play. I wasn’t anywhere near the theatre that day. I was at work on the newspaper,” Chris M. Miller, Torch editor in chief, said.
 
Likewise, Chris R. Miller is tired of fielding angry phone calls for Chris M. Miller.
 
“I really wish he would quit printing stuff that makes people angry,” he said laughing. “Or he could at least list his home phone number at the end of the story.”
 
This would initially appear to be this writers attempt to see how many times the name Chris Miller was mentioned in a story and get away with it. This actually is a story about Christopher R. Miller, senior in marketing and an active participant in Ferris State University’s theatre program.
 
Miller’s first play was “Oliver!” in the 4th grade.
 
“The high school production needed some young extras for beggars and poorhouse boys,” Miller said. “Once I walked on stage, I knew this was something that I could do. The stage is the most relaxing environment for me.”
 
Chris’ family moved around and eventually settled in Owosso, Mich. His high school didn’t have a theatre program, so Chris waited until graduation and then joined the Owosso Community Players.
 
His first part was in “Little Shop Of Horrors” as a stand-in for the plant operator, which won him an award. He later received their Rookie Of The Year award and went on to appear in “Fiddler On The Roof,” 1940’s “Radio Hour,” “The Rainmaker” and “The Front Page.”
 
Miller made his FSU theatre debut as Helmut Rhode in “Taking Sides,” and has since gone on to appear in “Rumors,” “Earth and Sky” as Julius Gatz, in “Shadowbox” as Joe, in “Minor Demons” as Vince Delgatto, “Once Upon A Mattress” as Sir Studly, “Chicago” as Amos Hart and lastly in “Bedroom Farce” as Ernest.
 
Out of all of his performances, Miller said that he enjoyed performing in “Minor Demons” the most. Chris played the part of the police officer who had extracted a full confession from a murderer/rapist, without first reading him his Miranda rights.
 
“This is the first play where I read the script before the audition, and I knew that I could totally relate to the character. It is the only part that I read for, and I would not have wanted any other part,” he said, “It was a powerful script, and a powerful play, and it had a good cast.”
 
When asked about his funniest screw-up on stage, Chris replied that it would have to be during a performance of “Once Upon A Mattress.”
 
After receiving his cue to walk onstage, Miller realized that he did not have his major prop for the scene, a rubber chicken. He improvised his way through the scene without it, to the disappointment of fellow cast mate, alumni Scott Starkweather, whose character was supposed to hit Miller over the head with it.
 
“Scott was so upset that he didn’t get to hit me in the head that the next night he hit me twice.”
 
Through the years, Miller has seen some major changes in the theatre program at Ferris.
 
“The biggest change is the number of people involved. When I first started, there would be only 10-15 people auditioning. When I first auditioned for “Taking Sides,” there were only five guys trying out for four parts. I figured either I would be really, really bad or I was getting a part.” He laughed.
 
Miller has also seen a change in the directing style of the theatre program. “It used to be real firm,” he said, “Now Katherine (LaPieta) guides without telling you what to do. She allows you to bring your own interpretation to the character.”
 
Unfortunately, the new theatre minor starting next fall comes too late for Miller, who graduates with a degree in marketing in May, and plans on entering the Army this summer. Because of his class schedule, he will not be performing in “Dracula” this spring.
 
However, he is not going to let his departure from Ferris end his acting career. Miller will be auditioning for the National Dinner Theatre in Chicago in April, and he plans to pursue the stage wherever he goes.
 
Just as long as he doesn’t pursue journalism.
 

Photo by Mike Termini, Photo Editor
Exit 139 bassist Eric Bovac jams with the band during its recording of the first demo-album “Five Finger Sally.”
 



Back to the Exit 139
 
By Chris Miller
Editor in Chief
 
After watching one of their second performances in Travis Hall at Ferris State University, the all-freshman band Exit 139 has shown that it can perform like a mature veteran band.
 
“The one-year goals that we set as a band have happened in half the time expected,” Exit 139 guitarist Tom Steimel said. “We are getting better as a band and learning a lot along the way. The timing has been awesome.”
 
The Torch did a profile about Exit 139 in the Nov. 21 issue.
 
The article points out when Exit 139 first met and got together at the beginning of the year, some of its biggest influences and playing for the first time as a group.
 
Since then, the band has played a show averaging one every two weeks, recorded their first album and is looking towards the future.
 
The five members of Exit 139 are Nick Briggs on rhythm guitar, Eric Bovac playing the bass, Nate Zaremba on drums, Jerrad Reickard singing lead vocals and Stemiel.
 
“Our original fans have stuck with us, and they have also attracted others towards our music,” Steimel said when asked about their recent success and gain of fans. “We feel that we are a better band live, and performing in front of people has really given us good experience.”
 
Since playing at the Freshman Rally and Travis Hall, the band has taken its act towards the Grand Rapids area, but hopes to play some places in the Big Rapids area.
 
“We feel that if we can make it in Grand Rapids, we might make it big. Having a following down there would be very beneficial,” Steimel said. “It would also be nice to play some concerts around here. We are currently looking into playing RiverRock.”
 
Exit 139 has played clubs like the Intersection and the Radio Tavern in Grand Rapids. Exit played the Intersection just a few days after January Jams.
 
“Playing the Intersection was one of the goals this band set. We didn’t expect to play it so soon,” Steimel said. “We had some really great comments from the crowd there, including an older gentleman who thought that we rocked.”
 
The band played in front of a crowd of approximately 70 people at the Intersection.
 
Future gigs for the band includes more places in Grand Rapids, including Stooges and P. Brown’s Office, both clubs. Exit 139 will be performing in the South Commons at Ferris on April 27.
 
During Christmas break, Exit 139 hit Sound Field Studios in Grand Rapids to record its first demo album “Five Finger Sally.” The album contains a total of 11 songs, which includes seven brand new songs written by the group.
 
“Right now, we feel that our song writing is one of the strongest things we have going for us,” Steimel said. “We have a total of 24 songs, and we are always coming up with new ideas for stuff.”
 
The songs on “Five Finger Sally” are described as hard, heavy rock. It’s a mixture of Staind, Pearl Jam and Tantric.
 
The four songs that define the group include “Speechless,” “I Need You,” “Heroes Rise” and “Remember.”
 
“These songs are the older ones that we have written,” Briggs said. “Speechless, I Need You and Heroes Rise are all acoustic songs.”
 
Exit 139 also threw in its more memorable pieces called “Zipper Dance,” which features the group playing with various zippers to make noise.
 
One of the better songs on the long-demo is “Remember.” This song has an acoustic introduction with Reickard’s melancholy voice coming in.
 
After spending $350 and 15 hours in a recording studio, members of Exit 139 feel that they got what they wanted out of the studio time.
 
“Recording the first demo album was done so we could hear ourselves,” Briggs said. “It gives us a chance to hear what we sound like and improve in areas.”
 
“That is what we have been doing in between performances,” Steimel said. “Nick has been working on improving his guitar performances. Nate has been improving his drums. Jerrad is working on his live vocals. Everyone has a job to do to make things better.”
 
The band also has been planning on ways to get more money. Currently, they are working on developing a new logo and making t-shirts.
 
Looking towards the future, besides trying to improve, the band feels that it is ready to submit music to radio stations and record labels.
 
“Our goal this summer is to make a four-track demo and start giving it out to various radio stations to listen to,” Briggs said.
 
“This is a lot of fun,” Steimel said. “However, we know that we need to make the music at the best quality level possible, and at the same time relate to the crowds we play in front of. It’s one of the hardest things to do.”
 
Those interested in a copy of “Five Finger Sally” can contact the band via e-mail.
 
The e-mail address is exit139@aol.com. Also for more information about the group, fans can check out their webpage.
 
 

 
The history and future of a legend
 
By Karen Langolf
Ferris State Torch
 
hen the community of Big Rapids wants to do something fun that involves excitement, action, romance, adventure or something slightly dangerous, they need not do any more than open a book checked out from the Big Rapids Public Library.
 
This two-story building holds many kinds of books for any type of reading pleasure. The first floor has all the fiction, both children and adult, and the second floor has all of the non-fiction books.
 
One would think that with two stories full of books, it would be difficult to find exactly what the passerby would want. This however is not true, thanks to the dedicated staff of librarians working there.
 
The library in Big Rapids has existed since 1874, although it was not always located in the building it is today.
 
Before the 1960s, the library was known as the Phelps Free Library.
 
What is now known as the Big Rapids Public Library (BRPL) was once a school building. The building was converted into a library after having been given to the city.
 
Gaylann Rorabaugh has been the library director since 1989, and in 1995 she became the permanent director of the library.
 
Rorabaugh graduated from Ferris with a bachelor in Business Administration and later went for her masters at Wayne State in Library Science.
 
It also seems that the community has taken quite a liking to her and the library, since at least 20% of their usual customers are Big Rapids city residents.
 
“We have a really strong user base,” Rorabaugh said. “Libraries are a very vital part of communities.”
 
Indeed they are, even with Ferris State University students. The FLITE building is a wonderful tool for studying that students enjoy, but what many students have come to realize is that BRPL is just as good a resource.
 
Sometimes when students are searching for particular types of books in FLITE on their computer system, those books are available at the Public Library. Both libraries offer the catalogue search for the other library in their computers.
 
Library cards are free to anyone in the surrounding areas and also to students at FSU, as long as they have their student ID.
 
A major focus at the library, especially during the summer, is children’s literacy. The month of March is called “Reading Month,” which starts off with Dr. Seuss’s Birthday on March 6. This program is sponsored by Read Across America. Another activity comes every Wednesday at 11 a.m. when BRPL hosts a different guest speaker to tell stories to the children.
 
During the summer they have a reading program, with the goal of keeping children reading so they start school off with a bang.
 
“Summers here are absolutely crazy … but the best kind of crazy,” Rorabaugh said.
 
The program during the summer has weekly storytellers and music as well as a few different “See the Movie, Read the Book” episodes. Students will watch a movie, then read the book with the same story, and then discuss the differences later in groups.
 
Last year BRPL offered as part of the program prizes to children who read either a certain number of books or a certain number of pages, depending on the child’s age.
 
The prizes generally were their choice of a book. This encouraged the children to read more and then turn in the books again for more prizes, again winning more books.
 
About 325 children read over 6,500 books in just seven weeks last year. After last year’s success with the program, they are going to do it again this year.
 
Friends of the Library are a major help to this program. BRPL would also like to ask if any college students who are staying during the summer would help volunteer for the programs. It is a big benefit to the children as well as the volunteers.
 
“It’s great to watch how the children’s reading progresses through the summer,” Rorabaugh said.
 
To volunteer to help with the summer reading program, please contact the library at 796-5234.
 
 

Illustartion by Scott Carmichael, Assistant Production Manager
 



"Beep, click, chirp"
 
By Chris Miller
Editor in Chief
 
Sitting and doing nothing at home on a Saturday, while the snow is towering down upon our little city of Big Rapids, I decided it was time to play the latest, greatest video game system out there on the market today.
 
Well, I guess you wouldn’t call it the latest or in the market still, but the best ever game system is the Atari. Yes, I said it.
 
Nothing beats the old Atari 2600. One joystick with one button equals plenty of hours of fun times with a sore thumb.
 
In today’s society, there are so many game systems out there that don’t even come close to that of the Atari.
 
According to www.atari-history.com, Atari was approached by Sears in 1975 when 150,000 units were launched at Christmas.
 
The first game for the Atari was Pong. Pong features two stick-like paddles that went vertically back and forth trying to get a tiny ball past each other.
 
The Atari 2600 hit stores in 1982. It featured games such as Pacman, Space Invaders, Breakout, Pitfall and Centipede.
 
Atari was also the first to come out with coin operated video games. Kids were crowding arcades with pockets filled with coins.
 
I am sure that there are a lot of young FSU students and kids today who don’t have a clue what the Atari is. Avid game players are so used to game systems now that have controllers with 50 buttons on them.
 
The Microsoft Xbox, Playstation, Playstation 2, Sega Dreamcast and the Nintendo GameCube are the newer game systems out there.
 
Currently, people are used to playing games that have crazy real-like graphics with 64-bits or more.
 
My family first got the Atari when I was about four. My mom and I would play many nights of Pac-Man together.
 
It was a time for bonding with the family. Getting a new game, which cost approximately $40, was what I looked forward to every holiday.
 
When the first Nintendo starting selling in America in 1985, it blew the Atari away with eight-bit video games. In school, all of my friends told Castlevania and Super Mario stories to each other.
 
It took a while, but finally I got my Nintendo. Before I got the Nintendo, my family even went all out for the Atari 7800, which came with Pole Position II. With the newer version of Atari, you could still play older Atari games, but the new controllers were confusing.
 
Instead of the one-button system controllers, Atari developed controllers that had two buttons. It was rough, but I think Nintendo later grasped the same concept using the “A” and “B” button format.
 
However, for the longest time after getting Nintendo, I thought that Atari was the worst game system until the last couple of years.
 
Now that I am re-visiting my early years, I pulled out the old Atari. Yes, it still works like a charm, and I have nearly 40 games. It has taken over the house, putting the Playstation aside towards the bedroom television.
 
There is nothing like having a few friends over, sucking down some frothy beverages and playing Combat against your best friend.
 
Two tanks trying to blow each other up as many times as possible is fun. These aren’t just your average 3D tanks with all the decor on them shooting out napalm missiles.
 
The tanks in Combat are square and have a little rectangle gun attached to them.
 
They shoot out a little bouncing ball, which represents the assortment of artillery.
 
The player can only shoot one shot out at a time. When a tank gets shot, it doesn’t blow up and show blood flies all over. It spins in a circle, and it gets ready for more action.
 
Besides tanks, players can get fast airplanes that zoom around the screen. It’s the same concept though: try to demolish the opponent.
 
Not only are the graphics really up-to-date and awesome, but the sound effects are stellar. Words like “Beep,” “Chirp,” “Click,” “Clack,” “Whistle” and other various forms of bleeps and blips are featured.
 
There is no background music, and you can’t go into options to adjust the volume of the music, crowd noise or sound EFX. The final feature about the 2600 was the console itself.
 
The Atari has two slots to put controllers in the back. It has a switch to turn it on, a switch to restart a game, a switch to turn the game from color to black and white and a switch to change levels. That’s it.
 
Now that you have gained the knowledge of the best games ever, put down your Xbox controller.
 
Store away the latest game from Playstation 2. Plug the adapter for Atari in and start playing. It’s not brain surgery. It’s Atari.
 
If you have a system and don’t want it anymore or have games to it, call me. Let’s bargain!
 
Those things are actually worth money if they are in good condition. Plus I am trying to get as many games as possible.
 
 

 
To imagine, or not to imagine
 
By Matt Cherry
Assistant A&E Editor
 
There’s a tool that has become lost upon our culture. We used to use it all of the time in our youth, but most of us rarely do now.
 
We used it when we’d play with our G.I. Joes or Barbies (whichever you preferred). We also used it whenever we’d play “house” or “doctor.” This tool that has brought us so many great memories as kids is called “imagination.”
 
Now, I’m sure we all remember using this tool. However, most of us don’t anymore.
 
With the advent of television, our imaginations have become decidedly lacking. The images that the movies and television present are so complete our minds have little left to imagine, and I think that this is an atrocity.
 
Sure, watching the good guys beat the bad guys is great, and some movies can really engross the watcher, but they’ll never be as good at it as that old staple of entertainment, the book.
 
Even video games are better than television shows and movies. Sure, they have all of the pretty visuals, but they also thrust the player right into the action, much like a book does.
 
It is this idea of being a central player in the action that makes books, video games and paper-and-pencil role-playing games (RPGs) so enthralling. They force us to think for ourselves, and they give us new ideas on what life has to offer.
 
As far as books go, no matter how great a screenwriter someone may be, television just cannot duplicate the raw emotion that a book can create.
 
The suspense of wondering what encounter the heroes will happen upon next, the rush of adrenaline that courses through one’s body during a good action scene, the thrill of the good guys winning and such things are unique to books.
 
This isn’t to say that television and movies don’t try to emulate these feelings. However, they just flow out of a good writer’s words.
 
It’s hard not to grow attached to a certain character in books. In fact, books allow one to become any character.
 
With television shows and movies deciding exactly how each character looks, it’s impossible to truly place yourself in their shoes unless you happen to be a Josh Hartnett or Harrison Ford look-alike.
 
For example, in Michael Crichton’s novel “Timeline,” the only restrictions on the character Marek is that he’s a rather large man with a pretty big accent. It doesn’t give itself to the stereotype that Marek has to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. He can look like Schwarzenegger to one person, but maybe to someone else he looks like Joe Pesci, or maybe a completely different person.
 
It all depends on what you want to think. Imagination is key.
 
Video games have the idea of books, with the visuals of movies and such. Maybe this is why they’re so popular. Here you have a medium in which not only are you following the central character’s ordeal, but also his/her life depends upon your skills.
 
Whether the world will be saved, or enslaved depends upon the player. It is a very engrossing field, and although it doesn’t leave much (visually) to the imagination, a good game can create the same emotions in the player as if he/she were really there.
 
When it comes to using one’s imagination, nothing can equal RPGs.
 
When I say RPG, I’m talking about things like “Battletech,” particularly the Mechwarrior add-on, as well as “Dungeons and Dragons” and other such things.
 
This medium can be even better than books. Not only are you the central character, but you create the central character. He/she/it is exactly the way you want. The only limitation is yourself.
 
And in this medium, imagination is key. You have to imagine what every little detail is. Whether you’re a DM (Dungeon Master, the person who narrates the game) or the player, you have to imagine every pebble on the floor; every crease on a mad orc’s face.
 
This really allows for the player to become engrossed in his/her imagination.
 
Imagination is one of the greatest tools that the human mind could have ever created.
 
We should not waste it; we should revel in it. So the next time you want to watch a movie, go find a book that’s like it.
 
Remember how it felt to play with your toys when you were a kid, and let your mind do the talking. If you do it right, you won’t be sorry you did.

Photo by James Bednarick, Assistant Photo Editor
FSU right wing Derrick McIver (#7) struggles for position on the ice against fellow right-winger Adam Hall, the Spartans’ Captain.  

 


It can be done at Ewigleben Ice Arena
 
By Chris Miller
Editor in Chief
 
Yes Ferris State University, the Bulldogs did defeat Michigan State University 3-2 in hockey at home on Friday night. It was the first victory over the Spartans in Ewigleben Ice Arena since the 1990 season.
 
In 1990, FSU beat Michigan State 4-2 on Nov. 11. Since then, Ferris has gone 0-10-5 at home against the Spartans.
 
“For my class, we haven’t beaten them since we have been here. It was one of the team’s goals this season, to beat MSU,” junior Troy Milam said.
 
There were a lot of implications going into Friday night’s game as well. Despite losing their last four games, the Bulldogs (15-18-1 overall, 12-15-1 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association) had something to prove against MSU (24-7-5, 18-6-4 CCHA).
 
“It was awesome. Knowing that we beat a team that is consistently ranked in the top five is a huge turn-around for our team late in the season. It’s a confidence booster for the playoffs,” freshman Derek Nesbitt said.
 
The Friday game was the last for seniors Rob Collins, Kristian Schroder, Chad McIver and Jason Basile.
 
Also, going into Friday’s matchup, Michigan State was tied for first in the CCHA with Michigan. With the FSU victory and a Michigan sweep against Western Michigan, Michigan State lost its opportunity to be tops in the CCHA.
 
Michigan State head coach Ron Mason also coached his last regular season games against FSU. Before the game, fans and the Ferris team honored Mason for his coaching work. Next year, Mason has accepted the athletics director position at MSU.
 
“It’s nice to have everyone healthy, but (Mike) Brown returning was key to our victory. He really played well in both games,” Nesbitt said. Freshman goalie Mike Brown returned to play after missing four games with an injury.
 
“Brown is a huge confidence boost when he plays,” Milam said. “A lot of guys like playing for him, and when he does play, we do whatever it takes to help him win.”
 
Friday’s game saw a lot of physical play from both teams. Michigan State came out stronger scoring the first two goals of the game. FSU quickly answered both goals in the second period.
 
Derrick McIver scored the first goal past Spartan junior goalie Ryan Miller eight minutes into the second period. McIver’s 10th goal of the season was assisted by freshman Jeff Legue.
 
Milam scored the second goal of the game for Ferris. The goal was shot past Miller well over center ice.
 
“There was a lot of controversy over this goal. I usually fake dropping the puck into the corner and shoot for the goal,” Milam said. “This time I saw that a defender was blocking Miller. I gave it a good rip and surprisingly it went in.” Brown got his first CCHA assist on the goal. Along with the assist, Brown stopped a total of 26 shots.
 
The winning goal came in the third period when junior Phil Lewandowski swept his 13th goal of the season past Miller, who stopped 24 shots on the night.
 
“We just wanted to put together two solid nights going into the playoffs,” Milam said.
 
FSU fans had the opportunity to watch the Bulldogs lose a tough 2-0 game the next day on Fox Sports Detroit. The game was broadcast live from East Lansing.
 
Once again, starting goalie Brown stopped a total of 27 shots, but it was not enough. Senior Joe Goodenow and freshman Ash Goldie both scored for MSU.
 
“Coach told us to come out and just play as strong as possible. That’s what we did,” Nesbitt said.
 
Going into the playoffs, players feel that the biggest weakness that they need to work on is the amount of penalties that are accumulating.
 
“Hopefully we can cut down on the penalties. It’s hard to win games when the team is short-handed,” Nesbitt said.
 
The Bulldogs also feel that they are now ready to take on the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in a best-of-three series this weekend.
 
“Some of the guys are torn because we have to leave school early and make the trip out to Alaska,” Milam said. “However, once we get out there, it will be nothing but hockey on our minds.”
 
Earlier this season, Ferris swept the Nanooks, winning both games 4-1.
 
“Knowing that we play Alaska, and looking at our record against them over the last two years, gives us a good shot at winning this weekend,” Nesbitt said.
 
The Bulldogs also finished their regular season in eighth place with 25 points, three points behind Notre Dame and Ohio State.
 
 

 
Lady Bulldogs’ season ends
 
By Jason Nelson
Assistant Sports Editor
 
The Delta Plex in Grand Rapids didn’t need to be lit for last Thursday night’s game between the Ferris State Bulldogs and the Hillsdale Chargers.
 
Hillsdale supplied the light by shooting an astounding 63 percent from the floor for the game, thumping the Bulldogs 90-71. Hillsdale moved on to the semi-finals of the GLIAC tournament while the Bulldogs packed their bags and headed for home.
 
The Bulldogs’ season came to an end on a sour note losing to a Hillsdale team that they had defeated earlier in the season on the road.
 
However, last Thursday it was the passing of Hillsdale that set up their tremendous shooting percentage.
 
Hillsdale totaled 17 assists for the game, compared to 10 for the Bulldogs.
 
The game was still in doubt at the half as Hillsdale led 42-34. Both teams lit it up from the field, each shooting over 50 percent for the first half.
 
Hillsdale hit on 18-29 shots for 62 percent in the first half, while the Bulldogs fired in 14 - 25 shots for a 56 percent clip.
 
Each team shot well from the free-throw line as the Bulldogs missed only one of their six attempts. Meanwhile, Hillsdale only missed one of their seven attempts.
 
The statistics through the first half showed Hillsdale doing just a little better than the Bulldogs, a trend that would buck the Dawgs completely in the second half.
 
Any thoughts of Hillsdale quieting down from the field were quickly squashed as Hillsdale poured in bucket after bucket.
 
The Bulldogs connected on 13-32 shots in the second half and shot 47 percent for the game. In most games that would either lead the Bulldogs to victory, or be close in the final two minutes.
 
Unfortunately, Hillsdale hit on 17-26 shots in the second half to better its percentage from the first half.
 
The high shooting percentage translated into big trouble for the Bulldogs. In fact, it translated into a big loss. The Bulldogs were blown out in the second half, being outscored 48-37.
 
The loss ends an up-and-down season for the Lady Bulldogs.
 
Some experts predicted the Bulldogs to finish near the bottom of the pack in the league, but the Bulldogs showed poise all year long.
 
Despite a stretch where they lost three straight late in the season, the Bulldogs were a solid team. They finish the season with a 14-12 overall record and a 10-8 conference mark.
 
The Bulldogs will lose the two leaders of the team, seniors Debbie Killips and Patti Larson. Larson, who was to be a key component on this year’s team, was injured before the season and was unable to play.
 
Killips, meanwhile, went on to garner first team honors on the GLIAC North Division All-Conference Team, as well as GLIAC North Division All- Defensive team.
 
Also gathering honors on the Bulldogs’ squad this year was sophomore center Bridget Horwitz, who was named to the GLIAC North Division All-Conference Second Team.
 
Players returning for the Bulldogs next year include leading scorers Lucy DeMartin, Bridget Horwitz and Jennifer Brogger.
 
Other players expected to be key contributors for the Bulldogs next year will be: Michelle Welch, Lindsey Kohn, Sarah Duesing, Kari Searles, Angie Price, Stephanie Benear, Molly Potvin, Sharon Smith and Ann Platz.
 
 

 
Ferris Bulldog mascot retired Friday
 
By Mike Potter
Sports Editor
 
After two and a half long years of patiently waiting, the spectators at FSU sporting events finally know who had been entertaining them from behind the Bulldog mask.
 
The setting couldn’t have been better than during the first intermission of Friday night’s hockey game against Michigan State, which Ferris won 3-2. Ferris State junior Greg Goosen skated onto the ice and was introduced to the crowd as the FSU mascot.
 
Goosen fooled the audience once again, but this time without the suit on.
 
A new suited person came out as the mascot and skated a lap around the ice rink, accepting the applause from the crowd.
 
That Bulldog was prepared to unmask until another person came onto the ice and stopped them from doing it. It was a surprise, and delayed, introduction of the real Dog.
 
Applause filled the arena as nearly everyone rose to their feet and paid homage to the contributions of Goosen to the university.
 
“Getting to talk to people I had known but didn’t know me was great,” Goosen said. “I walked around for two periods getting to talk with all of them.”
 
Goosen, a native of Cedar Springs, began his career as the Ferris State Bulldog during his freshman year after a friend on the cheer team was informed that a spot would be opening up for the Bulldog position soon, and they knew that Goosen was interested in an activity like that.
 
He then joined the cheer team and trained for the tough job of mascot by going to camps run by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), where mascots from all across the nation practiced their moves.
 
The Ferris spirit runs deep with Goosen, as his father is a faculty member, his mother used to be a part of the faculty, and his sister is a senior this year.
 
The spirit and his athletic ability combined to make something really special.
 
During one year of high school, he played five sports, including football and soccer in the fall, wrestling, and track and baseball in the spring; but he had no prior cheering experience.
 
Besides being a member of the cheer team, Goosen is also a member of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity and the Society of Automotive Engineers.
 
A plastics and product design double-major, Goosen was tracked down by a professional baseball team, which remains nameless to keep the secret of the mascot alive for that team, to do work for them beginning this summer.
 
That secret is a big key to being a mascot.
 
“It’s a tradition to try to keep it a secret because when people know who it is, all of the mystery is taken away from it,” Goosen said.
 
The only people who knew the secret were the cheer team, along with Goosen’s family and roommates.
 
“It’s kind of hard to keep it hidden from roommates when you walk in carrying a big bag filled with the mascot outfit,” he added.
 
Goosen may still be involved with the cheer team next year while he completes his senior year of school and continues his professional career, but he will not be the mascot anymore.
 
Next year’s mascot has already been chosen and was the Bulldog on the ice at the hockey game.
 
“I’ve never slipped up and talked to anyone while in the suit, but it’s real hard to communicate without speaking,” Goosen said. “I used to walk around town and see people that I knew from the games and wanted to say ‘hi’ but they wouldn’t know who I was if I had done that.”
 
“It’s bitter-sweet being retired now. Nice to move to the next level, but I’ll never have the experience of being the Bulldog again,” Goosen stated.
 
Although the Bulldog receives no payment, Goosen says that having the fans get excited and cheer is good enough.
 
The Bulldog performs personal appearances too, such as the Walk for Cancer and faculty dinners. Goosen also wants to thank all of the fans for their support through the years.
 
Contacting the Bulldog after the games is now possible, since Goosen created the official mascot’s website including e-mail to the dog.
 
The website is www.thefsubulldog.com and Goosen called it a real learning experience trying put the site together.
 
 

Photo by Mike Termini, Photo Editor
Ferris senior Mark Dichiara volleys a shot back to his opponents in a match against Aquinas on Feb. 26 at the FSU Raquet and Fitness Center. 



 
Tennis opens road season against three ranked teams
 
By Adam Gasper
Ferris State Torch
 
The weather might have been better in Missouri this past weekend, but the Bulldog men’s tennis team was greeted by something much more intimidating. The team played three nationally ranked teams over the weekend.
 
After opening the season with a 9-0 home victory over Aquinas, the men’s tennis team traveled to ‘The Show Me State’ this weekend to play the likes of Drury (Mo.), currently ranked fifth in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) NCAA Division II National Rankings, on Friday. Ferris is ranked 18th in the same poll.
 
Ferris also squared off against both sixth-ranked Ouachita Baptist (Ark.), and 25th-ranked Southwest Baptist (Mo.) on Sunday. This was their first and only road trip before opening the GLIAC season on Thursday.
 
Drury handed Ferris their first loss of the season, taking all four of the completed singles matches and one of the doubles matches to post a 5-2 victory.
 
Martin Hoch, Hitcham Fathi, Francisco Falencia, Jason Cole, and Mark Dichiara all lost their singles matches. Jan Talian and Matt Cole’s matches were both called off before being completed.
 
The doubles team of Talian and Hoch dominated the top doubles spot, winning 8-5. The Cole brothers held their ground at two doubles, winning by the same score. Falencia and Dichiara were ousted at three doubles in a 2-8 decision.
 
Sunday’s morning match against Ouachita Baptist ended in a heartbreak, with the Bulldogs losing the contest by one match.
 
Talian won the first set of his match in a tie-breaker before losing the final two sets to Gilles Lagardere by the scores of 4-6, 1-6. Hoch and Valencia were also outplayed in their matches. The Cole brothers were the only two singles winners in the contest. Matt dominated the four spot, winning 6-0, 6-2, while Jason picked up his second of three singles victories on the weekend, winning 7-6, 6-2. Dichiara dropped another decision at the sixth and final singles spot.
 
Talian and Hoch dropped a one doubles decision for the first time this year, losing 2-8. The Cole brothers remained undefeated with a 9-7 victory. Valencia and Dichiara triumphed 8-6 at the final doubles spot.
 
The day was just beginning for the Bulldogs. Later in the day, they faced Southwest Baptist and squeezed out a 5-4 victory to come home with a win and a 2-2 record before hosting GLIAC rival Hillsdale on Thursday at 4 p.m. at the FSU Racquet and Fitness Center.
 
Talian had to retire in his one singles match, and Hoch and Valencia also dropped their matches in consecutive sets. The Cole brothers dominated their matches, each winning 6-0, 6-1. Dichiara won his first singles match of the road trip.
 
Talian and Hoch dropped a second straight doubles match.
 
The Coles kept their season record at a perfect 4-0 with yet another victory at the two doubles position. Valencia and Dichiara also rolled to the second victory of the day, winning 8-2.
 



 
Thirty-one hills of excitement
 
Shannon Vesper
Ferris State Torch
 
Hitting the slopes is one of Michigan’s greatest sports, and it brings the Ferris State University’s Ski and Snowboarding Club together.
 
Open to the entire campus, the club organizes trips up to Caberfae Peaks, in Cadillac, for those students who are interested in learning how to ski or snowboard and for those who already have the skills.
 
“The main focus is to teach people how to ski and snowboard,” Joel Nicol, president of the club, said.
 
Along with vice president Dave Lynema, these two gentlemen work hard to make sure that students enjoy their time on the slopes. Lynema is responsible for the funding and planning the trip dates.
 
Since the weather plays a huge role in whether or not the trips can be made, four trips were scheduled for last season. The days were held primarily on Tuesdays because of the buses.
 
“We made a proposal to the SAFAC and they gave us buses for the four trips. The buses were only available on Tuesday because of sports teams and other groups using them,” Nicol said.
 
This year, the weather hasn’t been really cold, which has played a role on the trip dates. With the snow falling and quickly melting, it was difficult to determine if the trips would still be on.
 
Also included in the proposal, 20 students needed to attend to ride the bus. This year, out of the four dates scheduled, only two trips were made with the buses. Riding the bus is a big deal, because those students with meals are given the option of having a meal supplied while riding the bus.
 
“Skiing has been more popular this year. On our last trip we had 21 students and everyone skied,” Nicol said.
 
The cost for attending a trip is very reasonable. Lift tickets run for $10, ski rental for $6, and snowboard rental is only $17. These are the student rates, which are generally offered to students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
 
Although the group is trying to get more involved with other campus events, the Ski and Snowboard Club holds their meetings on the bus trips to Caberfae.
 
Caberfae Peaks has 31 runs for those who are dedicated to the sport and for those who want to learn. At Caberfae, students can enjoy Blackmer Day Lodge, which is located at the base of Shannon and Ski Shop runs. This new lodge offers guests seating, a picnic lunch area, a warming room with fire place, new restrooms and a view of the slopes.
 
If any students are interested in becoming a part of the club for next year they should contact Joel Nicol at 591-6012, so that they may be contacted when trips are planned or if groups of students want to go on a weekend.
 
 

 
Indoor soccer tournament
 
Mike Potter
Sports Editor
 
The International Student Organization (ISO) held its second annual indoor soccer tournament in the multipurpose room at the FSU Sports Complex throughout the month of February.
 
Eleven teams participated, involving about 100 different players who were all Ferris students. Many of the teams were made up of all international students, while others had all American students.
 
Dozens of people were in attendance which consisted mainly of friends, of the players and soccer fans. Despite being held late at night and on weekends, the numbers were very consistent. Average numbers for the regular season matches totaled in the 50-60 range, while the finals drew about 100 people.
 
The champions were Los Grandes Rojos, who received a trophy and gold medals for their achievement. The team consisted of nine players: Tom Ewert, Mark Dichiara, Rick Desrosierf, Benedict Hager, Gaser Tasel, Raoul Auza, Gilbert El-Fehgheli, Mike Osterland and team captain Robbie Todd.
 
President William Sederburg and Dr. Paul Landen from the Office of International Affairs awarded the medals and the trophy to the team after the championship match on Feb. 24. Sederburg and Landen also helped collect the funds necessary to rent the multipurpose room.
 
Other semifinalists included the second place African Killer Bees, third place Big Rapids Falcons and fourth place Ball Hogs. The four final teams were determined by their records from the regular season matches. About 18 players from the FSU women’s soccer team also participated in the event.
 
“This year’s tournament improved a lot from last year. The first year was more of an experiment,” ISO President Mazen Al-Sadat said.
 
The next event held by the ISO will be the International Festival of Cultures on April 14.

Internet wife hunting
 
By Brian VanSteenkiste
Opinions Editor
 
This is my first official article in the about three weeks. Some people have been asking me where I’ve been spending my time and why I haven’t written anything.
 
The answer’s simple: I’m addicted to Internet personal sites.
 
Somewhere out there a couple is sitting around saying, “Thank God for the Internet; without it we’d have never met and married.” I love the Internet too, and I depend on it for a lot of things, but I haven’t sunk low enough to use it for dating.
 
No, I just surf sites like hotornot.com, matchmaker.com and personals.yahoo.com and laugh at the people on them. Anyone can do it, but I have to warn you, it’s addicting. The key is to back away from them if you ever start thinking that any of it is real.
 
I’ve probably put far too much thought and time into this topic, but it fascinates me. Sitting in front of a computer anywhere you can browse through extensive, illustrated (!) lists of lonely, desperate hearts and people who “only did this because a friend put me up to it.”
 
Have you ever wondered what kinds of Fargo girls or toothless white trash from Tennessee have figured out how to use a computer for “dating” purposes? Well here’s your chance to satisfy that burning curiosity you’ve held inside for so long!
 
I’m pretty sure all of the people on these sites are completely insane (bonus!). One of the things that lead me to this conclusion is that they mention the fact in their personal descriptions. But, for those that forget to type “I aM cRAzy!!!” in for the whole world to see, subtle things can alert you to these people’s volatile mental states.
 
Things like girls mentioning “I have 19 piercings, guess where!” and pictures of people desperately clutching an enormous feline or hugging llamas can tip you off to the fact that they’re nucking futz. I’m not sure why there aren’t more photos of girls completely decked out in leopard print on these sites (which, by the way, is related to being deranged and loony. The amount of leopard print a girl owns is directly proportional to her level of insanity).
 
You can learn a lot from online personals. What you ask? I offer you the following gems: Fake tanning is a national epidemic. Almost everyone likes “having fun.” You should keep your high-school-aged daughter off the Internet, and so on.
 
A lot of interesting questions can also be raised by these sites: “Why are there married women looking for penpals?” “Is there really a 19-year-old looking for a wealthy man aged 39 to 45 who really finds pot bellies that attractive? And if so, is cooking really her hobby?” “Why do girls pose with their kids for the pictures they use on these sites? Are they so far out of the loop that they think men are looking for 19-year-old divorced mothers of two on the internet?”
 
And you probably thought the beauty of online personals is that you can lie about yourself! I find it refreshing how people in these Internet communities can describe themselves so free of distortion and personal bias.
 
Online courting is cool with me. Some people might call it a breeding ground for serial killers or describe it as people desperately clutching at straws, but I’m not a hater.
 
I understand that some people just don’t have the time to initiate a normal long distance relationship with a prison inmate (meet-an-inmate.com). We’ve become accustomed to email and other forms of instant gratification. Is it any wonder why USPS “snail mail” is hurting so badly?
 
It’s because we’re spending all of our time and money on the Internet! Did I say money? These sites lure you in with the innocent promise of entertaining pictures of real women (NOT women scanned in from K-Mart panty ads) and comedic self-descriptions. After awhile, once the site has its nefarious clutches on you, things change.
 
Like any good street dealer of crack cocaine, the first taste is free. Once you’re a fiend, these sites charge “nominal” fees for different levels of membership. Different levels of members are granted ever-increasing options, which they may use to communicate with other members who think they’re “hot.”
 
Even (especially) poor college kids are being fleeced by these sites. Why, there’s even a number of Bulldogs logging in to check their “hotness” ratings and messages while we speak!
 
It wasn’t my intention to pass judgement, but since this is an opinions piece, I’m totally within my rights.
 
Internet dating is bull scheise. How can you pretend to know someone you’ve never met? This is taking long distance relationships (which are also scheize) to the extreme. Just because ESPN trumpets “Xtreme!!!!!” sports like skateboarding doesn’t mean you should apply the same attitude to your sex life.
 
If you’re like the girl who said, “I like to try risky adventurous things!” in her personal description, try something other than putting yourself on a menu for Internet child molesters.
 
Everyone knows it’s easier to express yourself in writing than in real life. You’re heading for heartbreak if you use these sites as anything other than a joke or for entertainment.
 
To paraphrase Big Willy Styley, I didn’t mean to bust your bubble, but girls on the Internet are nothing but trouble. Guys are too.
 
  
 

 
The new American Taliban
 
Mircea-Ioan Cotosman
Ferris State Torch
 
Just when things seemed to have settled down, and everybody seemed to be back on track, (focusing on fighting back and rooting out terrorism in the world), here comes Mr. Daschle with yet another upsetting declaration.
 
First he tried the Enron scandal, which was a terrorist attack on President Bush and his administration. It did not work. The people did not buy into it, sending a strong message that they are not interested in political or financial scandals, but that they stand right beside the President and support him in the war against terror.
 
Sometimes one has to wonder how these people get elected into the U.S. Senate!
 
Senator Daschle comes on television and tells us how the war on terror has no results so far, and that bin Laden was not caught, etc. and that he will not help pass President Bush’s budget that would allocate more money for the American military forces.
 
It is now clear to me that the enemy is not just outside America, but within the country also. I am not referring to sleeper cells in the United States, but to people like Senator Daschle. They constitute the new American Taliban group, and America might lose the war on terror because of them.
 
Senator Daschle does not understand war politics in the 21st century. President Bush explained very clearly that this is a new type of war, that it is like nothing we have ever seen. Both the way in which it is fought and the results are, and will be, different.
 
Another very important remark President Bush made was that the war would last longer than anything we knew thus far as the conventional wartime length. He made all this very clear, but Mr. Daschle was probably fundraising for his presidential campaign, too busy to listen to what is important for the American people today.
 
The war on terror had results; some we can see, and some that are not so obvious. The most obvious result was Afghanistan being freed from the demonic rule of the Taliban regime. A country that has seen war for almost half a century will now be allowed to be reborn from its own ashes like a phoenix.
 
Billions of dollars from the bank accounts of terrorists were frozen, in an international effort led by the United States to choke the financial support to international terrorism. Many sleeper cells in Europe and Asia were discovered right before activation. Members of the Al-Qaeda network were made prisoners and are now in custody.
 
There is already a lack of resolve that can be observed; its results are dramatic. Daniel Pearl, a U.S. journalist, is dead. The United States failed to react with resolve and strike the kidnappers without mercy.
 
Instead, the United States let the Pakistani government deal with the problem.
 
This is a war situation and the United States should not rely on anyone to do the work the U.S. government has a mandate to do.
 
CNN promotes a debate whether documentaries about Sept. 11 should be aired or not. Out of sight, out of mind! It looks like the politicians have started to cope with what happened. WRONG!
 
The documentary should be aired so that nobody forgets what happened. Those who do not feel strong enough to watch should switch the channel. If it were for me, I would air the documentary 24/7 in the Congress so people like Mr. Daschle realize how covered in ridicule they are when they dispute the legitimacy of the war on terror.
 
It is now more than ever clear to me that America could lose the war on terror!
 
And that is only possible because of the Daschles out there. It is because of such a lack of internal support that the first President Bush was not able to finish the job in Iraq, and remove Mr. Saddam once and for all.
 
America must not step back, but go forth, even if in the way some will oppose it. These are the new American Taliban and they are simply WRONG.
 
 

 
Its time to say goodbye…
 
Mike Domerese
Ferris State Torch
 
Far too often, people over-stay their welcome. In today’s world it could be a prominent businessperson, a huge sports figure or even a pop culture icon.
 
Whether it’s for the fans, the almighty dollar or just for the love of what they do, it’s hard to say goodbye. The greatness they once achieved has merely shriveled to almost nothingness. I would like to address three major figures who I feel have done all of the above.
 
The three major people I feel need to say goodbye are with no doubt, love them or hate them, some of the greatest people in the world.
 
Now I may make a few people upset or mad with my picks, but hey, these guys have done their time. Now they just need to gracefully leave their posts as some of the greatest ever.
 
Michael Jackson, love him or loathe him, is one of the greats, if not the greatest pop icon to ever grace the face of this planet. Obviously he’s also one of the strangest people to ever walk the earth, but he still deserves the utmost respect for his talent.
 
While his latest album “Invincible” proved to be a commercial flop, it showed that Michael is human and truly is NOT invincible. Although the album debuted at number 1 on Billboard charts around the world in its first week, it quickly tumbled down the charts. Michael, it’s time. We thank you for a long and wonderful career, but just let it go.
 
For those who are still true loyal fans of Michael, “Video Greatest Hits – History & Dangerous – The Short Films” was released November 13th last year, and you can check him out a lot more at MichaelJackson.com.
 
Believe it or not, I actually visited this website, mostly out of curiosity, before I sat down to write this. I still own a copy of his greatest work ever, Thriller, released way back in December of 1982! Thank you again, Michael; now just go away.
 
For all you sports fan out there, my next two picks are really going to strike some nerves. Arguably one of the greatest players to ever play the greatest game in the world, hockey, is Mario Lemieux.
 
Now some would argue this title belongs to Gordie Howe, some would argue for Wayne Gretzky and some say Mario. Personally, being born in Michigan and being a born-and-bred Red Wings fan, I have to go with Gordie Howe, a.k.a. “Mr. Hockey.” But I digress. Mario, who was already inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997, came back to try to win Lord Stanley’s Cup again. According to ESPN, while playing in 812 games to the present, he has accumulated 1602 points.
 
When he came out of retirement on December 27, 2000 he had a goal and two assists. He also was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in January of 1993 and was able to overcome that and return to the ice once more.
 
In the late 90’s he also became part of owner of the team that drafted him and the only place he knows as home in the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
 
This year he once again was bothered with hip problems after another surgery.
 
While many feel that Mario shouldn’t have played in the Olympics, so he could rest his aging body, he did go on to earn a gold medal.
 
Also in a press conference on ESPN NEWS, Mario announced that he was done for the season on the advice of his doctor. I think this is sending a major signal that its time to hang up the skates.
 
Although he intends to play next year, the 60 or so games he plans on playing in may be a stretch.
 
Thank you, Mario, for some of the most exciting hockey I have ever watched; but now I think you should just worry about running your team. It’s time to hang up the skates and go out on a good note.
 
Last but not least, let’s talk about the greatest player to ever walk a basketball court, MJ. Need I say more? While I’m not a huge fan of basketball at the professional level, you must tip your hat to what this master has done. Michael Jordan has undoubtedly set the bar, and I feel nobody will ever reach it.
 
This young star came out of the North Carolina program, one of the best in the 1984 NBA draft, selected third in the first round by the Chicago Bulls.
 
He went on to win Rookie of the Year and accumulated a staggering number of awards including five NBA MVPs, six Finals MVPs, six world championships and was selected to 12 All-Star games. MJ has retired a couple of times and returned both times truly for the love of the game. He recently is out again with yet another injury.
 
The body of the great one continues to take a beating. According to ESPN.com, he is now on the injured reserve list after having surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. The process will take roughly 2-6 weeks of healing before he can return to action. He still plans to return before the end of the season, but is contemplating on next season.
 
Personally, I feel he is yet another great individual who just needs to hang the jersey up for good after this season and end on a positive note.
 
There are many other individuals in similar situations right now who need to go out while they are still in their prime or on a good note. Far too often players, singers, etc. stay on way too long and usually wind up going out on a not-so-glorious ride.
 
I understand why they do it; I just hate to see greatness slowly crippled to nothingness. I have the utmost respect for all these individuals I referred to, but you have to know when to say when.
 
HEY GUYS, LIVE IN THE NOW!!! IT’S OVER!!!
 
 

 
Get out of my lot!
 
Karen Langolf
Ferris State Torch
 
At any given point between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. I can find about eight people parked illegally in my lot. This is because when I come back from the store with my purchases, some other student has already taken my spot.
 
After about the third time this happened, I called DPS and asked them what I can do about this situation. The person I spoke with told me to just keep calling and park in my overflow lot.
 
When I call DPS, they tell me that they will send someone out to ticket the illegally parked cars. I have yet to see them go through my lot, but I guess it does happen. There are a few cars that have the yellow tag on there.
 
It seems to me that DPS only goes through each lot maybe once a day. This is no good because if I leave my lot at 10 a.m. to go to the bank and come back about 10:30, the lot is full and I have to wait until a quarter to the hour when people get out of class and decide to leave.
 
If I go out on the same day at 3 p.m. and come back about 4 p.m., then there are no spots for me to park in again because this time they’re filled by completely different cars!
 
DPS should go through the individual lots several times a day because people float in and out of them, with most of the illegal parkers never getting caught. This makes me mad because then I am stuck to park in the overflow lot.
 
A question that I asked myself was “what if the overflow ever gets full?” Where am I supposed to park then? The lot I was given is supposed to be for me and the other people who were smart enough to sign up early for parking reservations.
 
Those who either commute or have to park far away prefer to use my lot because it is closer to their classes. What happened to walking?
 
I’ve seen people with Lot 28 stickers parking in my lot because they don’t want to walk to class and they figure they won’t get caught.
 
The parking fines for someone who parks illegally are usually $20 unless you park in the handicapped spots; then it is $50.
 
Well, I’ve figured that even just one ticket per week for twelve weeks at $20 is about $240. That money could have been used for something else that is so much more important. If DPS were out ticketing people more than once a day, it might get more people to stop parking illegally.
 
Walking is a very good source of exercise and the time it takes to walk from one end of this campus to the other is around 12 minutes. That isn’t too bad considering Western Michigan University is about triple that amount.
 
Most people are not walking from the Alumni building to South Commons for each of their classes, so this time is even shorter.
 
What’s worse is that even if people do drive to their classes, they have to put up with people walking across the streets and the traffic of other cars trying to do the same thing. Driving from Lot E9 to the Business building, there are at least three stop signs and one yield sign.
 
Why must people illegally park in my lot if it is so much easier just to walk?
 
To avoid the hassles of continuous stop-and-go motions and also the possibility of running over someone in the dark, it is much easier to walk.
 
Another thought I had about the situation is to have DPS raise the pricing of tickets; that way people are more scared to park illegally. I don’t know if that is under DPS’ control, but it is worth a thought.
 
Someone told me that it would be so much simpler if there were no assigned parking. This is not true because then people would be fighting for the closest spot and it could get terribly violent.
 
Closer parking is also a privilege for the students.